BERLIN: Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich thanked his family for picking him up out of a post-World Cup “hole,” which he had described as “the worst day of my life.” Immediately after Germany’s elimination from the Qatar World Cup in December — the second consecutive exit for both Germany and Kimmich after Russia in 2018 — the midfielder said he was “afraid that I’ll fall into a hole.” Speaking on Wednesday afternoon from Bayern’s summer training camp in Doha, Kimmich told reporters “honestly, I did not fall in a hole after all.” “That’s a little bit down to my three kids.
With them it’s difficult to fall into a hole — you’ve got other things to do. “My statements after the game were very emotional.
It’s not so easy to put that behind you” the 27-year-old footballer said. Asked if he could see Germany get past the group stage in future World Cups, Kimmich joked “I’ll just need to play until I’m 45.” Kimmich, who like most of his Germany teammates has not played since December 1, said he was motivated to return to the field with Bayern after a “holiday (which was) very long, maybe too long.” “I’m incredibly motivated to be here again.
I’m glad that it’s starting up again.” Bayern sit four points clear atop the Bundesliga table and will re-start their season away at third-placed RB Leipzig on January 20.